Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach travel up into the esophagus. Because the cells that line the esophagus are not equipped to handle acid, the condition causes burning, inflammation and pain. Acid...
More than half of all babies experience reflux during their first three months of life. Infant acid reflux occurs when contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus. Symptoms of reflux may include spitting, vomiting, coughing, irritability,...
More than 60 million people in the United States experience heartburn, a symptom of acid reflux. Experiencing reflux on occasion is normal. Repeated and more frequent episodes may result in serious health problems. Treatments for reflux are...
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the burning sensation felt behind the breastbone. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with the heart. Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which occurs when stomach acid rises into...
Stomach pain describes any discomfort felt in the abdominal region, which encompasses the midsection of the body from the chest to the pelvis. The abdomen contains many different organs, including the esophagus, stomach, small and large...
The digestive system performs the vital function of breaking down large particles of food into molecules that the body then uses for nourishment and energy. The entire digestive tract consists of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small...
Citrus fruits, fibrous vegetables, spicy foods, oils, fats, dairy products, chocolate, tea, coffee and a host of other food and drink products all have the potential to negatively affect people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Eating...
About half of all babies spit up during or after a feeding because of acid reflux --- a condition in which food and stomach acids back up into the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. In most cases, reflux isn't cause for concern. Yet some...
Peppermint oil comes from the leaves of the peppermint herb, which is a cross between a water mint plant and a spearmint plant. In addition to flavoring items like gum and toothpaste, peppermint oil can help relieve health problems. Ingesting...
The digestive system functions to break down large food particles into small molecules the body can absorb. The organs of the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. Many...
Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle that seals off the esophagus from the opening of the stomach, relaxes and allows stomach acid to creep up into the esophagus. This condition causes an uncomfortable burning...
Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest caused by digestive fluids splashing back up into your esophagus. The Mayo Clinic advises seeing your doctor if you have heartburn more than twice weekly, if your symptoms don't improve in spite of...
The digestive system consists of a group of hollow organs including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus. This system functions to digest large particles of food into small molecules that become absorbed into...
Digestive disorders affect the digestive system's ability to break down food particles into small molecules, which cells then use as energy. The digestive tract, also called the alimentary canal or gastrointestinal tract, consists of a series of...
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can turn eating hot or spicy foods into a potentially painful experiment. Ginger, a root herb that may be used as a seasoning or as an herbal remedy for nausea or indigestion, lends warmth and zest to...
The lower esophageal sphincter is the ring of smooth muscle fibers that separates the esophagus from the stomach. It's basically a barrier to prevent stomach contents from escaping into the food pipe. Whenever you eat or swallow, the lower...
If you have GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, you have a chronic problem with gastroesophageal reflux -- commonly called heartburn. The condition occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle that serves as a valve between...
Cabbage contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Its high-fiber content usually aids digestion. However, cabbage is among gas-producing foods that can cause digestive problems for some people. The cabbage family includes green and red cabbage,...
Lemons contain high amounts of citric acid, an organic acid found in citrus fruits and some vegetables. Of all fruits and vegetables containing citric acid, lemons and limes have the highest concentrations, ScienceDaily reports. These acidic...
According to the Mayo Clinic, more than half of all babies experience acid reflux as known as gastroesophageal reflux or GERD. The website Kid's Health says that GERD occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. This generally...
Certain dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your heartburn, or acid reflux. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, acid reflux occurs when digestive juices from your stomach rise up into your esophagus...
Aerophagia, or swallowing air, naturally occurs while you eat and perform other daily activities. It can cause indigestion symptoms, including chest pressure, pain and belching. Aerophagia can also cause air to move through your digestive tract...
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, develops when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. It often occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of smooth muscle fibers that separate the esophagus from the stomach,...
The stomach is one of the most important digestive organs, as it is where foods begin to be broken down. But the stomach can get irritated or develop indigestion due to the foods you eat. If you frequently have stomach problems, knowing what foods...
Acid reflux -- with its accompanying heartburn -- is an uncomfortable but common complaint. According to Yale University, up to 50 million Americans suffer from gastric-acid related diseases. While occasional acid reflux is usually no cause for...
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when there is regurgitation of food into the esophagus. The predominant symptom of GER is heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is diagnosed when heartburn is present two or more times a week. The International...
Coffee leads the list of beverages and foods that your medical provider may ask you to avoid if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Unlike routine heartburn, which may strike occasionally after you've had too much coffee or spicy...
Acid reflux, or heartburn, is caused by acidic stomach fluids splashing up into your esophagus. Acid reflux can be a symptom of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. MayoClinic.com advises seeing your doctor if you have heartburn more than...
Infant acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when stomach contents flow from the esophagus to the baby's mouth. Some healthy infants experience this acid reflux because the lower esophageal sphincter, or the ring at the...
